"Is there anything I need to know before doing an exchange?" Yes, there's things that'll make applying quicker, volunteering easier and travelling safer.

"Are they rules?"

Not really. But for the sake of it, let's call them that.

Below I've compiled a short list of "rules" I regularly get asked about volunteering that you need to be aware of before doing an exchange.

1. You Have to Apply

You have to apply for the exchange by yourself. I provide tips. Share listings. And I can even nudge a hostel to check their inbox—but you have to write and send the message. You know your experience, your dates, and your skills. The hostel needs to hear from you directly so they can get to know you.

2. You Have to Be Chosen

Just like a real job, you apply, you chat with the hostel and if you're the right fit, they’ll offer you the exchange. You don't automatically get the spot just because you applied. Hostels get lots of messages, make sure yours show why you'd be a great volunteer.

3. I Don’t Place You in Exchanges

I can recommend you. But I can't place you in an exchange. It is down to the hostel owner to interview and choose volunteers.

4. What to Say at Immigration

Volunteer exchanges operate in a grey area. It makes no difference whether you’re volunteering on a farm, in a school or in a hostel. It’s not technically allowed. Think of it like an unpaid internship—it's widely accepted, but not strictly "legal".

Countries see volunteering as work. If you say you’re volunteering at immigration, you’ll be asked to present a working visa. Which you won’t have… and then you won’t be let in 🤕.

Volunteering needs to be hush-hush.

Speaking with backpackers ✅ 

Speaking with immigration 🚫

That said, you'll be completely fine. Backpackers have been volunteering in hostels way before I even backpacked. In fact, the trend is growing fast. I'm getting a 30% increase in backpackers landing hostel exchanges through my platform year on year. And a 40% increase in hostels hosting exchanges.

Reminder: You’re responsible for doing your own research and the decision to take an exchange is down to you 🫵. Hostels won’t and can’t help if you get into trouble. 

5. Can Hostels Help Me Get a Volunteering Visa?

There's work visas and sponsorships for paid jobs only. There's no such thing as a "volunteering visa" 🚧 for these kinds of exchanges.

Hostels and I do not assist with visas. You are solely responsible for your own visa decisions. Please make sure your tourist visa (or whatever you're using) is valid for the time you’re volunteering 🧳.

6. Your Exchange Isn’t a "Get Out of Jail Free" Card for Your Visa!

Just because you’ve landed an exchange it doesn't mean normal laws stop applying to you. If your tourist stamp says you have 30, 60, or 90 days in the country—that’s your limit. 🛑

An exchange is NOT an excuse to overstay your welcome. Don’t assume that because you’re volunteering or "helping out," you're able to overstay. If you overstay, you’re looking at fines, being banned from the country and even getting detained 👮‍♂️.

The hostel isn't your sponsor. They can’t extend your stay or talk to immigration for you. Make sure your exchange ends before your visa expires so you have plenty of time to catch a flight to the next destination ✈️.

7. Do Volunteer Exchanges Cover International or Domestic Travel Expenses?

No exchanges include travel or transport expenses. You have to make your own way 🥾 to the exchange location.

The best way to look at it: you should already have plans to visit that country regardless of whether you plan to do an exchange. The exchange is a bonus 💸!

8. How to Negotiate Volunteer Exchange Terms Without Getting Uninvited

You're welcome to negotiate the terms of an exchange if you feel it's not balanced. In fact, I encourage it (use my Value Calculator to help work out if the exchange is balanced). Maybe the hours are an hour too much and you want an extra meal token 🪙.

However, the hostel has the right to have a "no negotiation" rule. In that case, please don’t push it. Accept the terms or move on to one of the other 200+ opportunities 🙏.

This is all there is to it. You’re now ahead of 90% of other backpackers. I wrote this to make sure you’re savvy, safe, and ready to have the best time without any nasty surprises. 

Now the boring stuff’s out the way, let's find you an exchange.